The Kurdistan Region on Thursday celebrated International Mountain Day as a member of the international Mountain Partnership.
Read More: Kurdistan Joins UN Mountain Partnership
The Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in October 2024 joined the UN Food and Agriculture Organization’s Mountain Partnership, a voluntary membership organization of mountain communities, nongovernmental organizations, researchers, regions, and countries that raises awareness of sustainable development and climate change resilience for mountain communities and locations.
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Bayan Sami Abdul Rahman, the KRG Prime Minister’s Senior Advisor on Foreign Affairs and Climate Change, explained the significance of the occasion, which was formally designated by the UN to raise awareness of the importance of mountains and sustainable development.
Importance of mountains to Kurdistan Region
For the Kurds, the mountains are part of their identity. Mountains have served both as a refuge and a stronghold throughout their historic revolts against tyranny. As the popular saying in the Kurdish community goes, “Kurds have no friends but the mountains.”
“For the people of Kurdistan, mountains are a powerful symbol of our culture, identity and resilience,” Abdul Rahman explained. “The KRG is committed to helping mountain communities’ sustainable development by maintaining their traditions and livelihoods and adapting to climate change.
“The Kurdistan Region’s mountains are part of the very long Zagros range, and are vital water towers. Snowmelt replenishes rivers and aquifers for millions of people.”
Lawin Mohammad, the co-founder of the Zagros Mountain Trail, a 215-km-long thru-hiking route designed to connect people with the true spirit of Kurdistan's mountains, culture, and history, told Kurdistan Chronicle that for Kurds, international Mountain Day is “especially meaningful because our mountains carry a deep cultural and historical significance.
“Throughout history, they protected our people during difficult times offering safety in moments of conflict and becoming symbols of strength, resilience, and freedom. Many Kurdish stories, traditions, and memories were born and preserved among the mountains.”
Impact of climate change
Abdul Rahman said that the impact of climate change on mountain ecosystems and communities is an important subject in international discussions. “With climate change, we are suffering from higher temperatures and more severe and frequent droughts.
This reduces the mountain snowmelt volume and rates, impacting the Kurdistan Region’s water resources and farmers. The Kurdistan Region is adapting to the impacts of climate change by building water harvesting dams and ponds and establishing urban greenbelts.”
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Protecting the mountains
Mohammad added that international Mountain Day is an important reminder of the value of mountains and the responsibility everyone shares in protecting them. “Mountains are home to many Kurdish communities whose lives are closely connected to the land.
“The mountains have protected us for generations, and today it is our turn to protect them. Our mission is to promote responsible tourism, support local communities, and share the natural beauty of the region with the world in a sustainable way.
“International Mountain Day reminds us that mountains are not only part of our past, but also they are part of our future. By caring for them, we honor our history and ensure that future generations can continue to enjoy their beauty, culture, and life,” he concluded.
